Articles
Are my domestic violence proceedings confidential?
Many people are surprised to hear that domestic violence proceedings are conducted in a strikingly different manner to criminal proceedings. Domestic violence proceedings have a real focus on confidentiality of the parties. This is in recognition that domestic violence proceedings usually contain highly sensitive and personal information.
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Could your behaviour constitute unlawful stalking?
Did you know that intentionally directing your attention towards another person, where that person considers the attention to be unwelcome, destructive, or dangerous can amount to unlawful stalking?
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Disclosure in criminal proceedings
A fundamental part of the criminal justice system is the disclosure of evidence by the prosecution. When criminal proceedings are commenced, the accused has the right to be informed in detail, the nature and reason for a charge. This blog explains the disclosure process in criminal proceedings.
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Good behaviour bonds Queensland
A sentencing option available to Magistrates and Judges in appropriate cases, is what’s known as a ‘good behaviour bond’. A good behaviour bond allows the offender to remain in the community on the condition that they will be of good behaviour for the period of the good behaviour order.
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Defences to criminal charges
When charged with a criminal offence, it is the accused’s right to defend the charges in court. There are a number of defences available for criminal charges. This article briefly considers some of the more common defences which may be available in criminal matters in Queensland.
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Murder charges in Queensland
In this article, we look at the definition of murder, defences available if charged with murder and the penalties if you plead guilty or are convicted. We also look at the difference between murder and manslaughter under Queensland criminal law.
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A guide to Queensland’s criminal justice system
Whether you are involved as a victim, a witness, a juror, or a defendant in Queensland’s criminal justice system, it is important to understand the basics of the court system, as well as ‘who’s who in the zoo’; including prosecutors, magistrates, judges, juries and lawyers.
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Breach of domestic violence orders when encouraged by the aggrieved
At times, people who are subject to a domestic violence order may be invited or encouraged to visit aggrieved parties to the order, for example, an ex-partner. In this article, we pose the question “Is it a defence if the aggrieved invites me to breach a domestic violence order?”
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Costs in domestic violence protection order matters
The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act (Qld) states that parties must bear their own costs associated with Domestic Violence Protection Order applications, however, there is an exception.
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Industrial manslaughter in Queensland
Industrial manslaughter occurs when a worker dies at work due to negligence by a business or its senior officer. It is a criminal offence.
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No right to silence at Crime and Corruption Commission unless reasonable excuse
We explore a recent Supreme Court of Queensland decision of Smith v PRQ which considered an application by the CCC to have the respondent, PRQ, punished for contempt.
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Difference between workplace bullying and reasonable management action
This article explores the primary differences between workplace bullying by an employer and reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable way.
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